Nine Years

This week I have wondered how to forget. Tuesday, October 26, 2010 would have been my 9th wedding anniversary. I have asked friends who have gone through divorces how they have delt with the "anniversary" date. Their answer, they are bad with dates. Sadly, I have been blessed with a great memory for dates, so no luck there. Instead I have decided that I am going to make this day a day of wonderful things to be thankful for.

I am blessed to have such a wonderful and loving family. I have a mother and father that are so caring. Not only are they my parents but they are my best friends. I have 4 brothers (yes, Grant and Chad are my brothers, I don't consider them in-law) that are amazing! They take care of me in their own individually quirky ways. Some of them like to draw on my feet and others like to give me tips on how to pick up bachelors by where "special" clothing. I have 5 sisters that I adore! They are there for me when I need to scream about my bad day, laugh with me when I do something stupid, and get all giddy with me when I am excited about meeting an amazing person. I have 16 nieces and nephews that are angles and are the loves of my life! I wouldn't trade anything in the world to not be their aunt. It is the most amazing calling in my life.

I am blessed with friends that help keep me out of my "love me jacket". Amber Campbell....what can I say. The woman is amazing!!!! I knew the day she told me about the obstacles having to share a bathroom with 2 sisters, that we were going to be best friends. So many tears have been shared with her. Lots of laughs have been heard between us. I would do anything for her. When times were stressful and I needed to let it out, Amber's door was always open, no matter what time of the night. Jared and Amber have spent many late nights helping me understand and work through many things. I love that my Thursday nights are dedicated to Girl's Night with her. Amber is the friend that you can call for help and not worry if she thinks you are crazy. The amount of love I have for her can't be bought, it is priceless. I could add Tyra, Casey, and Julie to the list of friends that are amazing. I am so blessed that I have them in my life. And who could forget Paisley! Working close with her for the past 4 years has been a true blessing. She is a friend that listens and understands. She helps me see things in a different way. I couldn't have made it through the past 4 years without her.

Most of all I am blessed to be a member of The Church of Jesus Chrsit of Latter Day Saints. Without being a member of the LDS church I would not know the full blessings that come from the atonement of my Savior Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus Christ is the only begotten son of my Heavenly Father. I know that He died for not only my sins but for any pains that I have and will go through. I know that through Jesus I am able to return to live with my Father in Heaven. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that as I read it I am able to find answers to my trials. I know that the priesthood authority has been restored to the earth through Joseph Smith. I am so greatful for the men in my life who try to always live a worthy life so that when I am in need of a priesthood blessing they are able to administer it to me. I know that we have a living prophet and apostles on the earth today. Through their words we are able to find peace and comfort. I know that through the blessings of the temple I am able to be with my family for eternity.

I think Mary Fielding Smith can describe my feelings of trials, "...we have been able to rejoice, in the midst of our privations and persecutions, that we were counted worthy to suffer these things, so that we may, with the ancient saints who suffered in like manner, inherit the same glorious rewards."